Dominican conquers the Caribbean series for the 22. time

CARACAS (AP) — Right-hander César Valdez and three relievers handcuffed their rivals and Los Tigres de Licey won the Caribbean Series for the eleventh time in their history by beating Leones de Caracas 3-0 on Friday.

The Tigers – who have 23 titles in the Dominican championship – already held the maximum number of regional crowns with 10, thanks to the one they obtained in 2006. Now they are extending the record.

Likewise, the Dominican Republic consolidated as the clear winners of the tournament with 22 titles, followed by Puerto Rico, which has 16, Mexico 9 and Cuba 7.

Caracas has 21 titles in the Venezuelan league and two crowns in the series, out of seven for Venezuela in the competition. Panama has two and Colombia one.

Taking advantage of starter Eric Leal’s lack of control, Henry Urrutia tied on balls, reached second after a pitch that Venezuelan receiver Wilson Ramos couldn’t hold and ended up scoring after a Mel Rojas single. Jr. and a sacrifice balloon from Kelvin Gutierrez.

Yamaico Navarro increased the lead to 2-0, after an error by pitcher Leal spoiled a double play with his pitch deflected to second base after Robinson Canó’s ground ball into the infield.

The third run came after two outs in the ninth, when third baseman Hernán Pérez erred on the throw to first base and Luis Barrera scored after negotiating a walk on extinguisher Anthony Vizcaya.

The win was credited to Váldez, who isolated three hits and fielded six in 6 2/3 innings before leaving the mound with an injury. Jonathan Aro, Fernando Abad and Jairo Asencio completed the shutout. Faithful lost.

Earlier in the day, Mexico took third place by beating young and fierce Colombia 1-0. Joey Terdoslavich drove into the green light on stage six

Los Cañeros de Los Mochis – who have won four titles in their history and had not been crowned in the Mexican Pacific League for 20 years – led the first round with a 5-2 record, but suffered a setback in the semi-finals by losing 8-3 against the Tigers, who were fragile in the first phase, secured their passage to the semi-finals with a mark of 4-3 according to the rules of the tournament, as they beat the Indios of Mayaguez 6-4.

Puerto Rico (4-3), Panama (3-4), Curaçao (2-5) and Cuba (1-6) were eliminated in the first round.

The Vaqueros de Montería, third in the first phase (4-3) and victories against the Dominicans Boricuas, fell in the semifinals 7-3 against the Leones (5-2).